AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL

MEDIA RELEASE

10 July 2007

Council backs technology innovation

Auckland City Council is continuing its support for Connect New Zealand, a not-for-profit organisation that helps technology companies develop and commercialise innovative ideas for local and overseas markets.

Connect New Zealand received $30,000 last year from Auckland City Council. This will be increased to $40,000 for the 2007-2008 year.

Councillor Richard Northey, chairperson of the Economic Development and Sustainable Business Committee, says that development of information and communications technology (ICT) was key to a smart and sustainable business economy for Auckland city, which already accounts for 40 per cent of national ICT employment.

“We’re impressed with the way Connect New Zealand is helping to grow the technology industry. It provides its services free and funding from a wide range of sources is critical to its operation,” he says.

The committee heard from SMX Ltd, an Auckland technology start-up, which has benefited from Connect New Zealand and operates a service that eliminates 99.7 per cent of email spam and viruses for its private and public sector clients in New Zealand and internationally.

ENDS

© Scoop Media